A PUBLIC consultation on how up to £20 million should be spent in Keighley is entering its final stage.

People have just until Sunday, July 21, to give their views.

Keighley was amongst 75 locations across the UK selected to share £1.1 billion over the next ten years.

The funding – which forms part of the Long-Term Plan for Towns scheme, from the Government's levelling-up programme – is in addition to £33.6 million granted in 2021 through the Towns Fund.

Keighley Town Board is overseeing both streams of funding and is developing a long-term plan for Keighley and Bronte Country.

Residents' views are being sought on a number of issues, including: * Improving transport and connections to make travel easier for residents and increase visitor numbers, as well as boosting opportunities for small businesses and creating jobs * Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour * Enhancing the town centre to make it more attractive and accessible, including re-purposing empty shops for new housing, and improving green spaces and street cleaning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, says: "This additional investment is testament to the good work of our Town Board in delivering the £33.6 million secured already.

"The £20m over ten years will make a difference in the area, but it is important to find out how local people want to see the money invested. We’ll initially be looking at the first three years, with a pipeline of projects to follow, and there will be further opportunities for people to have their say."

Keighley Town Board chair, Tim Rogers, says: "My vision is to use this multi-million-pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment – allowing Keighley to realise its potential in economy, skills, heritage, creativity and transport aspirations.

"In order to do that we need to work together in a truly collaborative way. I would like to hear from people in all communities, and from businesses, schools and colleges in Keighley and the surrounding area, on what they want to see. This really is our time to shape our own future over the next ten years and beyond and I want to encourage everyone to have their say. We are here to listen and make lasting positive changes for the future."

To take part in the consultation, go to bit.ly/keighley-long-term-plan